Wednesday, June 08, 2011

CC: Elixr Coffee

I always find it pleasing when a great coffeehouse takes the place of a former, lackluster establishment. Hausbrandt once had a Philly coffeehouse that ran a decent leg, but after a while it fizzled. Following its closure, the former shell on 15th street remained abandoned.

Enter the phoenix of Elixr Coffee. Having just opened up in January (by a partnership that includes an Eagles' Winston Justice), this outfit moved in strong, distributing PT's Coffee out of Kansas and taking their coffee quite seriously.

I made my way over one leisurely afternoon to sample their wares. The interior is very homey, with a nice arrangement of furniture (with a lot of bar seating), and a tv playing barista championships while customers sip and work. I ordered a cup of the Finca El Molino, El Salvador via drip and an espresso (the coffee used for my shots was not named). The drip produced a light-bodied, honey-filled cup with some wheat, cherry, jasmine, almond cookie and sassafras (delicious). The espresso, pulled short with a marbled crema, sang of spicy cocoa, a prominent saltiness, lemon candy, whiskey, cookie dough and syrupy mouth feel (also quite good). The tea I did not note.

Elixr was the medicine that Philly needed. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, pop in.

Just had a cappuccino at Elixr. Expertly made with the milk properly foamed into a smooth cream, with two espresso shots added into a 6 ounce cup, the ratio I prefer at home, so the drink isn't too milky.

I'm getting more and more impressed with Philadelphia's coffee culture. A few years ago there were almost no places you could go to get a great cappuccino. Now there are quite a number, with Elixr definitely a member.

My only minor quibble with the drink might be that the espresso is a little too subtle to hold up to the milk, even in this ratio. But that's probably due to my distorted palate, as I often use a fairly aggressive blend for my home cappuccinos.